When do Travis County property tax notices come out?

TCAD typically mails appraisal notices in April. You have until May 15 or 30 days after the notice date to file a protest.

Has the Austin market decline affected assessments?

Yes. If your property value has decreased since the last assessment, this is strong evidence for a protest. Bring recent comparable sales showing lower prices.

Can I protest online in Travis County?

Yes. TCAD has an online protest portal at traviscad.org where you can file and submit evidence electronically.

What if I missed the protest deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you generally cannot protest until the following year. Mark your calendar for next April.

Guides/Texas/Travis County

Travis County, Texas

How to Appeal Property Taxes in Travis County (2026)

Appeal Deadline

May 15 (or 30 days after notice date, whichever is later)

County Assessor Appeal Forms

Overview

Travis County, home to Austin, has experienced some of the most dramatic property value increases in Texas. The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) regularly increases assessed values to keep pace with Austin's booming real estate market, making protests both common and frequently successful. With about 420,000 parcels, TCAD is one of the busiest appraisal districts in the state.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

Receive your Notice of Appraised Value from TCAD (typically mailed in April)

Review your property details and compare to actual features

File a protest online at traviscad.org, by mail, or in person before May 15 (or 30 days after notice)

Gather comparable sales evidence from your neighborhood

Schedule and attend an informal hearing with a TCAD appraiser

If unresolved, attend a formal Appraisal Review Board hearing

Consider binding arbitration or district court if still not satisfied

What Evidence Do You Need?

Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood (within 1 mile, last 12 months)

Photos documenting property condition or negative features

MLS data showing market trends in your specific area

Independent appraisal if available

Evidence of unequal appraisal among similar properties

Common Reasons for Successful Appeals

Austin's rapid appreciation may have been over-applied to your specific property or neighborhood

Assessment didn't account for property-specific issues (busy road, small lot, older systems)

Comparable sales in your immediate area show lower values

Property details are incorrect in TCAD records

Market cooling in 2023-2025 not fully reflected in assessments

Tips for Success

1Austin's market has cooled from its 2022 peak — use this in your favor with recent sales data

2TCAD's online protest system is user-friendly; use it to submit evidence digitally

3Focus on the most recent sales that are closest to your property

4Check TCAD's property details carefully — errors in sqft or year built are common

Frequently Asked Questions

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and procedures may change. Always verify current information with your county assessor.